Plan-It Fire

Dear Julia,

Thank you for considering Making The Impact LLC for the redesign of your existing website. Having a modern and functional website is vital to your business’s online presence. It is our pleasure to lend our expertise towards this endeavor.

Our proposal aims to capture your needs and ideas, providing you with a fresh, updated, and enhanced version of your website. We take pride in our flexible pricing and quality services that are geared to add meaningful value to your business. We are adept at navigating through the nuances of website redesign, ensuring a seamless transition.

This proposal includes estimates for the different services that we believe suit your project needs. We consider ourselves as partners in your success, striving to deliver solutions that fit your goals and budget. We look forward to discussing this proposal further and fine-tuning it to your needs.

Kind regards,

Melissa (Lisa) Li
Owner
Making The Impact LLC

Company Overview

Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Norman, Oklahoma, Making The Impact LLC offers a suite of digital services – including web design, web development, graphic design, marketing, and video editing. We specialize in redesigning existing websites to make them more engaging, user-friendly, and tailored to the evolving needs of businesses.

While we operate primarily remotely, we maintain the flexibility to meet with clients in the Norman and Oklahoma City area. Our flexible operating model allows us to reduce overhead costs and offer our high-quality services at more affordable prices. As a testament to our commitment to integrity and quality, we are accredited by the BBB.

We are dedicated to providing superior customer service, with a client portal for easy progress checks and support ticket submissions. We also offer flexible pricing options, working with clients with both big and small budgets. Our mission to make a positive impact extends to our community, where we’ve donated websites to non-profits and ministries that serve the homeless, and launched OKHomeless.com, a resource for low-income people in crisis.

At Making The Impact LLC, we value transparency, honesty, and client satisfaction above all else. We provide ongoing support and offer a hassle-free withdrawal process for our services. Our aim is not just to make a profit, but to see our clients thrive because their success is our success.

About Us

Making The Impact LLC, based in Norman, Oklahoma, is a dedicated provider of professional web design, graphic design, and digital marketing services, including SEO, email marketing, and logo design. We also offer website hosting services, domain name registration, and website maintenance.

Founded in 2018, our mission is to empower small businesses, entrepreneurs, non-profits, and ministries by providing affordable, high-quality digital services. We believe in offering custom, cost-effective solutions, honesty, transparency, and a client-first approach. Our aim is to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve and help our clients succeed in their ventures.

With Making The Impact LLC, you’re not just getting a service provider, but a partner dedicated to your success.

Overview & Objectives

These days a website serves not only as a marketing tool but also as a representation of the organization’s values, culture, and aspirations. As Plan-It Fire looks to enhance its brand image, especially with the aim of attracting quality managerial and office staff, it’s imperative that its digital front door resonates with its desired audience. With the evolution of design principles and ever-changing user behavior, an updated, user-friendly website has the potential to become a significant asset in the company’s hiring process.

This proposal sets forth a comprehensive approach to redesigning Plan-It Fire’s website. Our approach is designed to enhance both aesthetics and functionality, ensuring a modern look and feel while offering seamless navigation for potential employees and clients alike.

Objectives

1. Redesign of Existing Website: Elevate the design of the website to reflect the professionalism, quality, and values of Plan-It Fire. The redesign aims to provide clarity on the services offered by the company and project a brand image conducive to attracting top-tier talent.
2. Content Enhancement: Streamline and rewrite existing content to ensure coherence, clarity, and a stronger appeal to the desired audience. Fresh content will be curated to resonate with potential employees and clients, emphasizing the company’s unique selling propositions and workplace culture.
3. Improve the Contact Form: Implement a user-friendly contact form that enables prospective employees, clients, or partners to effortlessly get in touch with the company, ensuring a quick response mechanism while reducing spam.
4. Navigation & User Experience: Implement intuitive navigation, ensuring visitors can find the information they need effortlessly. The revamped navigation will prioritize the company’s services and employment opportunities, offering a seamless browsing experience.

Approach Considerations

We understand that Plan-It Fire has a preference for maintaining its hosting with BirdDog Software, and as such, we are proposing two distinct approaches:

1. Using Existing Hosting: This would involve working closely with BirdDog Software’s platform. While this ensures continuity and leverages an already paid-for service, potential challenges might arise in terms of design flexibility and theme customization, depending on the limitations of the platform. As part of this approach, I would seek to understand the specifics of the BirdDog Software platform and determine the feasibility of creating a custom theme that aligns with our redesign goals.
2. Transitioning to WordPress Hosting: Leveraging my expertise with WordPress, this approach would involve hosting the website on a platform I’m familiar with. This offers the advantage of a vast array of plugins and design tools, ensuring the highest level of customization and functionality. While this means a transition from the current hosting, it offers greater flexibility, a more streamlined design process, and potential long-term benefits in terms of website maintenance and scalability.

Recommendations

The path Plan-It Fire chooses should align with your long-term vision, available budget, and expected outcomes. Regardless of your decision, our commitment remains to provide impeccable service and guidance throughout the journey.

Remaining with BirdDog Software’s Platform:

Your existing hosting with BirdDog Software, being cost-free, presents immediate financial benefits. However, the long-term implications need careful consideration:

Potential Limitations:

1. Design Restrictions: There could be constrained controls over the site’s visual aspects, like layout, logo placement, navigation, and customization.
2. Custom Templates: If BirdDog Software permits custom themes, these would require development from the ground up, demanding more time and effort compared to utilizing ready-made WordPress themes.
3. Flexibility in Updates: Making alterations, especially to design elements like colors and themes, might be more cumbersome.
4. Scalability Concerns: Their platform might not be as adaptable to evolving requirements or the incorporation of advanced features as your business grows.

Transitioning to a WordPress Platform:

Choosing an alternative hosting provider might introduce hosting fees, but the broader spectrum of benefits could very well justify this investment:

Distinct Advantages:

1. Modern, Responsive Design: A website optimized for a range of devices, ensuring a seamless experience irrespective of the user’s device.
2. User-friendly CMS: The ease of editing and updating website content without delving into complex coding, thanks to WordPress’s intuitive page builder.
3. Advanced Contact Form: A sophisticated contact form equipped with captcha, reducing the risk of spam and ensuring genuine inquiries.
4. In-depth Analytics: Transparent insights into visitor behavior, most viewed pages, geographic data, and more, enabling informed decision-making.
5. Future-proof Scalability: WordPress’s extensible nature ensures that as your business grows, your website can effortlessly accommodate new requirements, be it integrations, functionalities, or design changes.
6. Extensive Plugin Library: Access to thousands of plugins, making it simpler to add features like galleries, videos, SEO tools, and more without significant development effort.
7. Community Support: Being the most popular CMS, there’s a vast community for support, tutorials, and updates.
8. Improved SEO Capabilities: WordPress, combined with SEO plugins, offers enhanced possibilities for search engine optimization, potentially driving more organic traffic to the site.

Having laid out these considerations, the subsequent sections will provide a detailed action plan and a transparent cost breakdown. Our guiding principle remains to offer optimal value, always keeping your budgetary parameters in focus.

Proposed Solutions

Understanding your distinct needs, we’ve curated a suite of services designed to revitalize your online presence and enhance the user experience. Below, you’ll find a breakdown of these services for the two different approaches.

Remaining with BirdDog Software

• HTML, CSS, & JavaScript Template Development – $600
  We design and build a custom, mobile-friendly template using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. This package includes designs for a master theme, a homepage, and a content page template. Once complete, we seamlessly integrate the template to align with BirdDog Software’s platform specifications.
  Estimated Turnaround: 2 Weeks
• Essential Website Planning and Content – $150
  Our foundational package tailored for uncomplicated or personal websites. Services comprise planning for a span of 5 pages, curating content for essential pages, and selecting stock images paired with elementary edits.
  Estimated Turnaround: 3-5 Business Days
• Content Page Layouts and Design – $80
  Utilizing our custom-designed template, each page—be it About, Services, Contact, or Employment Opportunities—will be designed to suit your company’s branding and match the overall website theme and style. We layout the content and perform simple edits to accompanying images, using stock photos where appropriate.
  Estimated Turnaround: 3-5 Business Days

Project Total: $830

Adapting to Platform Limitations: Alternate Design Approach

Should we discover that BirdDog does not support custom templates, we’re not without options. Your online presence can still be enhanced using the platform’s built-in controls. Working within these parameters, while potentially more restrictive, also offers its own set of advantages, streamlining the design process and ensuring greater compatibility with the platform itself.

Platform-Controlled Design Adaptation – $250
In this approach, we leverage the native controls provided by the BirdDog platform to design your website. While it may be more restrictive in some aspects compared to a custom-built template, it ensures optimal compatibility and functionality within the BirdDog environment. This includes:

• Strategically utilizing platform-provided design and layout options to their fullest potential.
• Custom graphic creation tailored to align with the platform’s specifications and your brand image.
• Employing front-end code (CSS and JavaScript) wherever the platform permits, enhancing design flexibility and introducing subtle interactive elements.

Estimated Turnaround: 1-2 Weeks

With this alternate approach, the total cost would be $480, but the overall appearance and design of the website may not look as good as what we can achieve with our WordPress-based solutions due to the platform limitations.

A Note on Estimations: Our pricing and turnaround times, both for the custom template and platform-controlled design approaches, are based on industry standards and our extensive experience. However, without a deeper insight into the exact capabilities and restrictions of the BirdDog platform, these are initial estimates. Rest assured, any significant deviations, if encountered, will be communicated promptly, ensuring transparency at all steps.

Switching to WordPress

Planning and Setup

• Essential Website Planning and Content – $150
  Our foundational package tailored for uncomplicated or personal websites. Services comprise planning for a span of 5 pages, curating content for essential pages, and selecting stock images paired with elementary edits.
  Estimated Turnaround: 3-5 Business Days
• WordPress Installation and Basic Configuration – $40
  Initiate your digital journey with a fresh install of the newest WordPress version. This package encompasses configuring general settings, crafting a user-friendly permalink structure, establishing website analytics, and implementing foundational security protocols.
  Estimated Turnaround: 24 Hours
• 5-Page Site Setup – $50
  With our site setup service, we create up to 5 pages on your site. We recommend the following pages: Home, About, Services, Contact, and Employment Opportunities. This setup includes an customized contact form and integration with our Umami website analytics platform.
  Estimated Turnaround: 1-3 Business Days

Design and Site Functionality

• Simple 5-Page Website Design– $150
  Impress prospective employees and customers with a simple 5-page design, complete with tailored content and compelling visuals on every page. We offer a harmonious layout with room for select modifications to ensure alignment with your vision.
  Estimated Turnaround: 3-5 Business Days
• Beaver Builder Pro Plugin and Installation – $45
  Elevate your site’s dynamics with Beaver Builder Pro – a state-of-the-art drag-and-drop page builder. This tool enables you to make future edits and changes yourself, if you so choose. This service includes the Beaver Builder Pro theme which we customize to suit your company branding. Includes access to our license (a $99/year value!).
  Estimated Turnaround: 24 Hours
• Fluent Forms Pro Plugin and Installation – $30
  Upgrade your site’s interactivity with Fluent Forms Pro. Beyond facilitating advanced form structures, this service ensures you remain spam-free with a captcha and streamlined contact form setup. Revel in the added benefit of our lifetime plugin license, unlocking an array of functionalities (worth $59/year). This plugin can be used to more advanced forms to handle whatever your needs may be, from allowing customers to request estimates through the website, to capturing basic information from prospective employees.
  Estimated Turnaround: 24 Hours

Hosting:

• Essential Shared Hosting (Annual) – $60 
  Host your website on our low-cost shared hosting platform with 10GB SSD storage, unlimited bandwidth, and a secure SSL. This hosting plan is perfect for one simple website. This hosting package also provides basic email hosting for seamless communication.
  Estimated Turnaround: 24 Hours
• Essential Hosting Setup – $30
  Ensure a smooth start with a one-time website setup, with the creation of up to 2 email accounts for optimized digital correspondence.
  Estimated Turnaround: 24 Hours

Project Total: $555

Should you opt for external hosting services, the total stands at $465. However, for assistance with hosting setup, an additional fee of $30 will be incurred. Rest assured, each of our solutions is adaptable to suit your specific requirements.

DIY-Assisted Solutions

For those passionate about taking a hands-on approach or operating within a tight budget, our DIY-assisted solutions can be the perfect fit. We combine our expertise with your enthusiasm, enabling you to tackle website challenges confidently. Choose individual services we offer and complement them with our in-depth training sessions to tackle your website needs.

Training Modalities & Pricing

• Zoom Training and Support: $30/hour
  Ideal for visual learners, offering a combination of discussion and on-screen demonstration.
• Phone Training and Support: $25/hour
  Perfect for quick solutions, clarifications, or brainstorming.
• Email Training and Support: $5 per detailed response
  Comprehensive written guidance with step-by-step instructions for your queries.
• Recorded Video Training: $50 per customized tutorial
  Tailored tutorials addressing your unique challenges, which you can revisit anytime.
• In-Person Training: $50/hour + $1/mile outside of Norman
  Face-to-face, intensive sessions designed for comprehensive learning.

Service & Training Packages:

• Pay-As-You-Go: Choose specific services and combine them with any training modality of your choice. Perfect for those who need intermittent assistance.
• Monthly Subscription: Starting from $80/month, which includes 2 hours of Zoom Training, 1 Phone Call Support (30 minutes), 3 Email Supports, and a discount on specific services. Suitable for continuous learning and support.
• Custom Package: Curate your package based on your unique needs and our recommendations.

Payment Terms

For endeavors priced below $1,000, upfront payment is generally required. For those exceeding $1,000, an initial 50% deposit will set the project in motion. However, we do our best to accommodate all budgets. We can often split the total cost into several installments to alleviate any financial pressure or work out a custom payment plan for your project.

Our accepted payment methods include credit and debit cards, PayPal, Goldbacks, Bitcoin, cash, checks, and money orders.

Project Deliverables

Upon completion of our collaborative journey, Plan-It Fire can anticipate the following deliverables tailored to the chosen solution:

If Remaining with BirdDog Software:

• Custom-Designed Responsive Template: An exclusive, mobile-friendly design crafted in HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, ensuring optimal user experiences across all device types.
• Master Theme & Key Pages: Your website’s core design blueprint, including a meticulously crafted homepage and a versatile content page template.
• Structured Website Content: Meticulously planned and composed content for up to 5 essential pages, ensuring clarity and a strong brand voice.
• Imagery and Graphics: Professionally selected stock photos complementing your brand narrative, complete with basic editing to match the website’s aesthetic.
• Complete Website Setup: A fully functional 5-page website structure, inclusive of critical pages such as Home, About, Services, Contact, and Employment Opportunities.
• Engaging Contact Mechanism: A simple yet effective contact form, facilitating seamless inquiries and feedback from visitors.
• Transparent Website Analytics: Inclusion of Umami analytics, offering insights into visitor behavior and site performance.

If Switching to WordPress:

• Seamless WordPress Integration: Fresh installation of the most recent version of WordPress, coupled with essential configurations for optimal performance.
• Intuitive Page Building: Access to the Beaver Builder Pro, enabling effortless website customization without deep technical know-how.
• Advanced Contact Form Capabilities: A sophisticated contact form designed with Fluent Forms Pro, ensuring spam prevention and advanced form features.
• Custom Design Layout: Unique design for up to 5 primary pages, ensuring cohesive branding and intuitive user navigation.
• Optimal Hosting Environment: Shared hosting equipped with 10GB SSD storage, limitless bandwidth, and essential email services.
• Website & Email Setup: Professional configuration for your site, complemented by the establishment of up to 2 organizational email accounts.
• Regular Plugin Updates: Lifetime access to regular updates and features of the Fluent Forms Pro plugin, ensuring that your contact form remains at the forefront of technological advancements.
• Integrated Website Analytics: Get access to Umami analytics, offering insights into visitor behavior and site performance.

In culmination, our objective remains steadfast: to deliver a digital platform that resonates with Plan-It Fire’s ethos, ensuring an elevated online presence and streamlined user interactions.

Timeline and Milestones

Remaining with BirdDog Software:

1. Initial Assessment and Backup: 1-2 business days
   • Before initiating any design process, we’ll create a backup of the existing site, ensuring that we have a fallback option in any scenario.
2. HTML, CSS, & JavaScript Template Development: 2 weeks
   • During this phase, we create a custom-designed, responsive template that aligns with your brand aesthetics and user experience goals. The process involves the design of a master theme page, a homepage, and a content page template.
3. Essential Website Planning and Content Creation: 3-5 business days
   • We plan the content for up to 5 pages, create it for core pages, and select and edit stock photos that resonate with the brand’s identity.
4. Content Page Layouts and Design: 3-5 business days
   • At this stage, we focus on the design and layout of individual pages like About, Services, Contact, and Employment Opportunities. Each design is tailored to the content and images displayed, ensuring a cohesive look across the site.

Switching to WordPress:

1. Initial Setup and Configuration: 1-3 business days
   • Begin with a fresh installation of the latest WordPress version, adjusting general settings, permalink structures, and implementing standard security measures. During this phase, we’ll also set up hosting configurations and email accounts.
2. Essential Website Planning and Content Creation: 3-5 business days
   • Similar to the BirdDog approach, we plan and create content for up to 5 pages, making sure it aligns with the WordPress design capabilities.
3. Website Design and Page Setup: 3-5 business days
   • We focus on crafting a responsive design for your site. This encompasses designing up to 5 pages, content insertion, and optimizing the website’s graphics. Additionally, the pages Home, About, Services, Contact, and Employment Opportunities are set up.
4. Plugin Installation and Configuration: 1-2 business days
   • Plugins like Beaver Builder Pro and Fluent Forms Pro are installed and set up. This stage ensures your website is equipped with interactive, user-friendly elements that enhance its overall functionality.

Why Choose Making The Impact?

1. Dedicated Support Hub: Our commitment goes beyond just fixing and redesigning your website. As our esteemed client, you’ll gain exclusive access to our dedicated support hub. This platform allows you to monitor project milestones, retrieve essential documents, and communicate directly with our team. We’re all about ensuring a hassle-free and transparent journey for you.
2. Long-term Partnership Rewards: We deeply value our collaboration with Plan-It Fire. As a token of our appreciation, we offer special discounts on future projects. Our goal is not only to meet your immediate needs but also to be a partner you can rely on for the long haul.
3. Skilled Craftsmanship: Our team brings a vast array of experience in both website design and development. And we don’t just deliver; we stand by our work wholeheartedly. Should you need adjustments or face any challenges, we’re here to make things right. Our focus is not merely on creating a website, but on building trust and ensuring Plan-It Fire thrives online.

Next Steps

1. Tailored Solutions: After hearing your feedback, we’ll meticulously fine-tune our approach to ensure it aligns perfectly with Plan-It Fire’s aspirations and budget.
2. Clear Agreement: Recognizing the importance of our collaboration, we’ll draft a comprehensive contract. This will establish a clear understanding of the project’s scope and expectations, protecting both parties’ interests.
3. Commencement upon Payment: With the contractual details sorted and the initial payment received, our journey to revitalize Plan-It Fire’s online presence will officially commence.
4. Your Exclusive Hub Access: Post the project kick-off, we’ll provide you with access credentials to our support hub. This will be your go-to place for project updates, document access, and direct communication with our team.

We are genuinely excited about the prospect of partnering with Plan-It Fire. Together, we envision crafting a digital presence that doesn’t just mirror your esteemed reputation but also serves as a beacon for your brand’s bright future.